Saw this at the Munich film festival 2019 (in German: Film Fest München). It is a heavy subject, but it is very well portrayed, without any intention to entertain us in a frivolous way. It will come down on you after having left the theater, when starting to ponder about it.
I found the beginning scenes a bit confusing due to time frames switching back and forth over the years. Clearly an attempt to show what happened before, and necessary for the context. It is not clear from the outset who is important for the rest of the story, but that may be my fault, mostly while being unable to connect the younger versions of respective protagonists with their older counterparts. The core of the story starts after Ziad is released from prison, taking most of the running time. Everyone is friendly and considers him a hero and a martyr. Their initial welcoming attitude, however, falters after some time when seeing that Ziad does not integrate. He even doesn't try to find a new place in society, which has changed considerably in 15 years time.
Ziad carries most of the proceedings and we closely follow him for better or for worse, meeting several people who potentially can turn his life around (neither of them succeeds). Everyone means well, but they fail to understand what's in Ziad's head. Similarly, can we hopelessly fail in coming closer to an understanding, as he is not very outspoken.
I found the beginning scenes a bit confusing due to time frames switching back and forth over the years. Clearly an attempt to show what happened before, and necessary for the context. It is not clear from the outset who is important for the rest of the story, but that may be my fault, mostly while being unable to connect the younger versions of respective protagonists with their older counterparts. The core of the story starts after Ziad is released from prison, taking most of the running time. Everyone is friendly and considers him a hero and a martyr. Their initial welcoming attitude, however, falters after some time when seeing that Ziad does not integrate. He even doesn't try to find a new place in society, which has changed considerably in 15 years time.
Ziad carries most of the proceedings and we closely follow him for better or for worse, meeting several people who potentially can turn his life around (neither of them succeeds). Everyone means well, but they fail to understand what's in Ziad's head. Similarly, can we hopelessly fail in coming closer to an understanding, as he is not very outspoken.